Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni doubted the possibility of Qatar continuing their position with the 2022 World Cup champions after their historic win over Brazil at home in the sixth round of the South American continent for the 2026 World Cup.

Scaloni, who is under contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup, said after the match against Brazil: “I have to think a lot about what I will do because the level is so high and the expectations are so high. The national team needs a coach who is dynamic and comfortable.” He added: “Is it time to stop the ball? I have a lot to think about right now. The players have given a lot, I have to think a lot about what I will do, this is not a farewell, but the level is very high, it is difficult to keep winning.

He continued: “It’s time to think about it. I will tell it to the president of the federation and then to the players, because this team needs a coach who has all the energy to do well.

Scaloni (45), who led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, explained without elaborating that he would not resign before leaving the hall.

After the match was delayed for around half an hour due to a disturbance in the stands, Scaloni confirmed he was proud of his team: “By competing like this, they are a strong group, a group that supports each other, and I am proud to coach them,” explaining that he blamed star Lionel Messi’s 78th-minute exit. … He “suffered from discomfort in the ligament … He helped the team, we know very well. What does that mean.”

Argentina finished 2023 with 15 points out of 18 from 5 wins in the combined group for the continental qualifiers and a loss against their runner-up Uruguay (13 points), with the qualifiers ending again in September 2024.